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Who owns the rain?
Media statement
For immediate release
Friday, 23 March
2007
Who owns the rain?
United Future leader Peter Dunne says that Maori Party claims that Maori have customary rights over fresh water go beyond what is acceptable to most Kiwis.
"The Maori Party appears to be asserting Maori rights to all New Zealand's natural resources, the things we have in common.
"That will be a step too far for most New Zealanders.
"The fresh water claim simply raises the question, 'Who owns the rain?', and shows the absurdity of the position being adopted," he says.
Mr Dunne says the fresh water argument raises again the concept of public domain, which United Future tried unsuccessfully to have included in the original Foreshore and Seabed Act.
"Natural resources like air and water belong to all New Zealanders, and it is the Crown's responsibility to exercise that ownership equally and fairly on our behalf," he says.
ENDS
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